Rivierlandschap, met een veer bij een herberg 1742 - 1784

Hendrik Spilman created this river landscape with a ferry near an inn, using etching, around the 18th Century. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a major maritime power, and its waterways were vital for trade and transportation. This work offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the people who depended on these waterways. Small boats ferry passengers between the shore and larger vessels anchored in the distance, creating a sense of bustling activity. The inn on the riverbank likely served as a gathering place for travelers and locals alike, offering food, drink, and lodging. It’s important to consider how class and commerce intersect here. While the etching romanticizes river life, it also hints at the labor and social interactions inherent in maritime trade. Spilman captures a sense of place and time, inviting us to reflect on the complex relationship between people and the water.